The Wine - this review is not a reflection of the quality of their wine, we unfortunately never got around to that part of our trip.
The Location - quite remote and off the beat path, be sure not to bring a nice car for these dirt roads
The Decor - broken/old/rusty farm equipment was strewn about everywhere and they appeared to be mid renovation and actually had trouble figuring out which build was which and where we should park. The inside of the shop was quite nice though for the brief bit we were in there.
The Pre-Experience - My wife, my dog, and I had been to 3 other Wineries/Breweries in the area on the province new Good Cheer Trail and had wonderful experiences at all of these. Each time I would hang back with our dog and walk around outside a bit while my wife would go in and say hi and ask how dog friendly they were if I should just walk the dog on the grounds or have our dog come in for a brief visit. each of these 3 places welcomed our dog for the brief visit and even gave her treats on occasion. A big thanks Hells Bay, Petite Rivere, and Iron Works.
The Experience - We got out of the car and my wife once again made her way to the shop and I walked our dog (on leash) just outside in the parking lot. I had only gone for a minute when I heard my wife calling me. She had walked into the shop and the owner was giving a tour for so 15 guests in a cramped space. She decided to stand back out of the way and wait to ask about the winery, the stamps (for the Good Cheer Trail), and our dog. But the owner stop mid speech and told her
"You have to keep your dog back in your car, we have two unfriendly labs here. And I am giving a tour and you'll have to wait a moment."
It was 25C and sunny and we were not about to lock our dog in the car, and my wife stated as much. The owner did not respond to this and went on with the tour and my wife left the shop. This was extremely embarrassing for my wife and we decided to leave. I decided to go in and see if I could quickly get the Good Cheer Stamps for our trouble of driving all the way here. When I went in I was completely ignored by the owner and decided (like my wife) to hang back and be severed when the owner got a chance. I waited about 3-4mins and had not been greeted or acknowledged in anyway. All the owner was doing was handing out samples. she had plenty of opportunity to acknowledge me and was facing my direction the whole time. (She could see me outside by my car from inside her shop, but couldn't see me inside clearly standing in front of her) Luckily for me the Good Cheer Stamps were right there by the cash and I just gave myself the stamps for this location and left the winery.
Very disappointing. Perhaps once they finish the renovations, dispose of junk strewn about, put these unfriendly dogs somewhere they can't hurt anyone, and then realize how far all their costumers travel to be there and treat them with respect and dignity. read more